The ACT Government is today marking the official opening of the brand-new Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Yurauna facility, a significant milestone in inclusive education, with state-of-the-art, sustainable amenities that support learning, community connection and cultural safety.
Yurauna, a Wiradjuri word meaning 'to grow', is CIT's dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educational Centre of Excellence, offering tailored culturally appropriate courses that focus on literacy, numeracy and communication, and providing vocational training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson, said the brand-new CIT Yurauna facility on the CIT Bruce Campus demonstrates the ACT Government's commitment to inclusive learnings and preserving culture.
"The opening of the new facility for CIT Yurauna at the Bruce campus is part of the ACT Government delivering inclusive educational and training facilities to support Canberra's future, and empowering indigenous communities with the opportunity to gain skills for their chosen careers in a culturally appropriate environment," Minister Pettersson said.
"The ACT Government has worked closely with the Ngunnawal community and with culturally attuned design and construction partners throughout the project delivery."
"CIT Yurauna has been purposefully built to blend in with the surrounding native environment, and we've already had a lot of positive feedback from Yurauna staff, students, and the community of their new space and amenities."
The culturally integrated design was informed by a series of co-design workshops with representatives from CIT Yurauna and the Ngunnawal community. Construction was led by BYCC Alliance, a Supply Nation registered alliance between BY Group and Construction Control, focused on quality infrastructure and strong Indigenous social outcomes.
The new building provides a purpose-built learning environment tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. The building includes general learning spaces, a specialist dedicated art room, community and student commons spaces, quiet and yarning rooms, meeting rooms, staff areas and amenities.
Culturally specific design elements are embedded throughout the building. Open, light-filled spaces support gathering, storytelling and informal learning, while natural materials, screened façades and landscaped outdoor areas reflect a connection to country and community. Integrated artworks and considered internal layouts reinforce cultural identity and ensure the building feels welcoming, safe and respectful.
Quotes attributable to Margot McNeill, CEO at CIT:
"This centre reflects our commitment to culturally safe education, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students feel supported, respected and empowered to succeed."
"CIT Yurauna is a place where culture, learning and community come together, and it's a privilege to officially open a space that has been designed to support students to grow in confidence, skills and opportunity."
